r/route66

In the final leg of their epic Route 66 journey, travelers Justin and Riley pushed from Blue Creek Campground outside Tulsa, Oklahoma, through the brief Kansas corner, across Missouri, and into Illinois, completing their cross-country trek in Chicago. What began in the deserts and mountains of the West concluded with Midwestern hospitality, quirky roadside gems, and the satisfaction of reaching the Mother Road’s eastern terminus.

Waking after their first van thunderstorm (Riley a bit rattled, but they powered through), the pair wrapped up Oklahoma and crossed into Kansas. The state’s Route 66 footprint is famously short—just a quick corner—but they made it count with a stop at the Miami Visitor Center for a passport stamp, followed by tea at the charming Loose Leaf shop next door.

The standout Kansas highlight was Gearheads Curios, an eclectic souvenir shop with an unforgettable restroom billed as “the most photographed bathroom on Route 66.”

Click link for full feature

https://route66americanaarchive.substack.com/p/we-made-it-finishing-our-2400-mile

Pin marking the midpoint of Route 66 in Oklahoma.

I should have taken this in the dark, but I was there at dusk.

One to keep, one to use. I guess I was only the second enthusiast to ask about them today here at my Post Office in Michigan.

Being a Springfield, MO local, I’ve had the privilege over the past few weeks to document much of the artwork that has been created in celebration of the centennial of Route 66. These are some of my favorite pieces and I hope you all have the opportunity to visit my city if you haven’t! Here are the locations for each picture:

1. Birthplace Plaza
2. Queen’s Gate 66 - Daylight
3. Queen’s Gate 66 - Nighttime
4. Jefferson Ave Footbridge along Commercial St
5. Intersection of W College & N Scenic
6. Route 66 Stadium
7. Family Flowers Greenhouse
8. Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
9. Springfield Art Museum (temporarily closed)
10. Ziggie’s Cafe on N Glenstone

Hey all, got something you may be interested in. A few years back, I published a novel that took me quite a long time to write, just about 20 years in fact. It’s called MALINKO, and it’s a thriller about a newlywed couple on a Route 66 honeymoon who stumble onto a mysterious radio show. Inside includes some original charcoal art. I published 1,000 of them and have some left, so thought I would post it here and see if anyone is interested. Cost is $25, but that price includes shipping. Venmo: Rick-Paulas, PayPal: rickpaulas@gmail.com, and include your address. Happy to answer any questions!

I just wanted to make people aware that maybe take pause in considering purchasing the gold Centennial "passport" being offered this year by Touch Media. In my opinion it is far from being a passport as those of us know it. Most certainly do NOT offer any constructive criticism to them about it.